Japanese Spitz Owners

[kat78]

So, I'm thinking about getting another puppy (or an older dog.. but I'll ask about that later on). Still researching and I'm at the stage where I'm going to ask A LOT of questions... so please bare with me I've been reading so much about them, that my head hurts...

I just want to hear owners personal view and experience with this breed. The good, the bad and the ugly. What are they like as puppies? Health problem? Are they picky eaters? Hard to train? (I've had 2 huskies in the past, so I know how stubborn, independent and wilfull spitz breed are) Are they yappers? Good with other dogs? Are they placid?

I've gone to a lot of website, but they mostly say how sweet, cuddlely they are and how they want to be with their human family. But, most puppies/dogs are all like that, right?

Aside from Cavalier or Shih Tzu, I'm not a fan of much other small breed dogs. But, if I want to get a puppy, I will probably want a smaller dog and I've always been interested in Japanese Spitz. Just in case anyone say get another Cav or Shih Tzu, the boyfriend and I are interested in getting another breed of dog.

Hi im not sure how much help this will be BUT heres my two cents worth LOL

Hubby and i have just recently gone through the we want a new dog, but do we get puppy or older dog thing ... We had trouble deciding on what breed (i have owned Labs and Samoyeds, and REALLY wanted another Sammy BUT Hubby loves the small Maltese etc) (im NOT a great fan of small dogs, no offense anyone, just a personal thing)

SOooo we decided upon a Japanese Spitz (a mini Samoyed i guess lol)

We got a 15 month old female, who up until we got her had NO SOCIALISATION outside her previous owners home.

We have had her a month, and she is NOW starting to walk on the lead without yelping, and though still very scared of strangers she is now approaching them (cautiously BUT she is getting there)

I had expected her to be a bit nippy (as was MY experience with smaller breeds) but she isnt at all. The only thing im finding is that she, in wanting to be on guard and protecting us, doesnt quite know how to STOP barking... that said, we have only had her a month AND she has improved tremendously. That is the thing, after speaking to other Spitz owners, i have found seems a common trait, they like to alert you of strangers by barking (lol as you can probably tell i havent had much to do with dogs that bark)

BUT i am extremely pleased we got a SPitz AND extremely pleased we got an older "pup"

as i said not sure how much thatl help BUT its my experience :D

[wuffles]

I know two japanese spitz -- one of them is such a lovely little girl, happy and playful, quite active but also happy to chill inside. Her owners have put a lot of effort into training her and socialising her and it's really paid off as she is so delightful! She's also very trainable although does have an independent streak. Everyone who meets her loves her.

The other I know is a nice dog as well but he was a pet store puppy and has not been socialised He's quite wary of strangers and other dogs, but does warm up rather quickly. He's still a cute fluffball, and happy to play with known friends.

I'm not a "small dog" person but I do really like this breed

[kimigirl]

Not sure about flyball though, it has taken us ages to teach her to catch... I think she thInks it's beneath her

Had a giggle at this... mine do the same thing chase the ball and then go "well are you gonna come get it and throw it again". Hehehehe

Lol! That's just what kimi does. When she first learnt to fetch she used to bring it back every time. Now it's like 'meh, get it yourself!'